In an age when you can find images of everything from the most ancient sculptures to the most groundbreaking new art online, there’s still nothing quite like seeing art in person. Fortunately, West Michigan has a vibrant array of galleries where you stroll, stare… and maybe pick out something to take home.

• The DAAC
• Grand Rapids Art Museum
• Kendall College of Art and Design
• Art Galleries
• ArtRat Gallery
• Gallery 154
• LaFontsee Galleries
• Lions & Rabbits

For Thiago Porraz, it began in school with art classes, then turned into a hobby at home, which grew into a true passion.

• artprize
• Kendall College of Art and Design
• Artist Profiles
• Thiago Porraz

George Eberhardt III isn’t just an artist, he’s an educator.

• Artists
• Local Art
• Artist Profiles
• George Eberhardt III
• WMCAT

There is perhaps nothing more exciting for a well-seasoned theatre lover than the opportunity to see brand new work. 

• theatre
• theatre reviews
• Face Off Theatre

Just imagine the thrill of what it would be like to be a fly on the wall when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins had an impromptu jam session at the dawn of rock and roll.

• theatre
• Saugatuck Center for the Arts
• theatre reviews

Most plays never get written. Of those that make it to the page, most don’t get performed. Of those that manage to get performed, most are quickly forgotten.

• theatre
• Circle Theatre
• theatre reviews

Coming in at number one in the Art Museum/Gallery category this year is Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, which also placed as a finalist for large-scale attraction, and it’s easy to see why. 

• arts
• Attractions
• BOTW
• Best of the West

"Is carpet fun?" The answer, Yang Kim said, is that it can be. She was speaking at UICA, at an event hosted by CreativeMornings GR. Kim has worked at Herman Miller and Peopledesign, where she is creative director.

• Grand Rapids Art Museum
• UICA
• CreativeMornings GR
• Peopledesign
• KCAD

This August, Grand Rapids Ballet’s Summer Series sees the venerable organization performing in Petoskey, outside Grand Rapids’ Peter Martin Wege Theater, and at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, in an effort to celebrate dance in an accessible, community-driven way.

• Grand Rapids Ballet
• Frederik Meijer Gardens  & Sculpture Park
• GR Ballet

It’s 2024 and arts organizations in West Michigan are thriving, with incredible, jam-packed seasons of art, conversations, fun and community involvement.

• arts
• Things to Do